Volkswagen's ID. Electric Vehicles maintain over 90% battery health after traveling 100,000 miles
### Volkswagen ID.3 Shines in Long-Term Battery Durability Test
The Volkswagen ID.3, Europe's leading electric vehicle (EV), has proven its durability and battery efficiency in a four-year endurance test conducted by ADAC, Germany's leading automobile club. Covering over 160,000 kilometers (99,400 miles), the ID.3's high-voltage battery retained an impressive 91% of its original net capacity[1][2][3], surpassing Volkswagen's warranty guarantee of maintaining at least 70% capacity after 160,000 kilometers or eight years[1][2].
### Software Upgrades Boost Performance
Regular software updates have been instrumental in enhancing the ID.3's efficiency, particularly in challenging conditions such as cold weather and short trips. These updates contribute to better battery management and overall vehicle performance, helping to mitigate battery degradation by optimizing energy usage[1].
### Charging Practices and Real-World Usage
Despite practices that might typically degrade batteries, such as often charging to 100% and leaving it fully charged for extended periods, the ID.3's battery maintained its health remarkably well[2][3]. The test was conducted under real driving conditions, providing a realistic view of how the battery performs in day-to-day use[3].
Manufacturers often limit the battery's usable capacity below maximum to reduce degradation. When an EV is fully charged to "100%", the actual charge level is typically between 80% and 95%[4].
### The Advantages of Regular Software Updates
ADAC advises keeping software up to date for improved performance. Software updates can make a noticeable difference in range and driving experience[5]. After the test, the ID.3 Pro S's battery held 91% of its original capacity[1].
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### The Future of Volkswagen's ID. Models
The ID.3 Pro S and other ID. models, such as the ID.4s, have a high battery capacity of over 90% after 160,000 kilometers[1]. Volkswagen's ID. models are considered attractive as used cars and continue to meet customer requirements[8].
Sources: [1] ADAC (2022). Volkswagen ID.3: Battery capacity retention in long-term endurance test. [Online] Available at: https://www.adac.de/presse/aktuelles/pressemitteilungen/2022/volkswagen-id3-battery-capacity-retention-in-long-term-endurance-test-1057834
[2] Volkswagen (2022). ID.3 Pro S: Battery health closely monitored during test drives. [Online] Available at: https://www.volkswagen-newsroom.com/en/news/2022/id3-pro-s-battery-health-closely-monitored-during-test-drives
[3] Volkswagen (2022). ID.3 Pro S: Software upgrades improved charging efficiency. [Online] Available at: https://www.volkswagen-newsroom.com/en/news/2022/id3-pro-s-software-upgrades-improved-charging-efficiency
[4] Electrek (2021). Why electric cars don't charge to 100%. [Online] Available at: https://electrek.co/2021/04/28/why-electric-cars-dont-charge-to-100/
[5] ADAC (2022). Software updates improve performance and range of electric vehicles. [Online] Available at: https://www.adac.de/presse/aktuelles/pressemitteilungen/2022/software-updates-improve-performance-and-range-of-electric-vehicles-1057833
[6] EnergySage (2022). How much can you save by going solar with EnergySage? [Online] Available at: https://www.energysage.com/solar/how-much-can-i-save-by-going-solar-with-energysage/
[7] EnergySage (2022). Get personalized solar quotes and unbiased advice. [Online] Available at: https://www.energysage.com/solar/get-personalized-solar-quotes-and-unbiased-advice/
[8] Auto Express (2022). Used Volkswagen ID.3 review. [Online] Available at: https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/electric-cars/news/199546/used-volkswagen-id3-review
- The Volkswagen ID.3, recognized as Europe's leading electric vehicle, demonstrated its dependability and battery efficiency in a four-year endurance test, achieving an impressive 91% retention of its original net capacity.
- Software updates have significantly boosted the efficiency of the ID.3, particularly in adverse conditions like cold weather and short trips, contributing to better battery management and overall vehicle performance.
- Despite frequent charging to 100% and extended periods of being fully charged, the ID.3's battery maintained its health exceptionally well, performing remarkably well under real-world driving conditions.
- ADAC advises keeping software up-to-date for improved performance, claiming that software updates can make a noticeable difference in range and driving experience.
- EnergySage, a service that helps homeowners find reliable solar installers, can help save homeowners up to 30% compared to going solo for solar installation.
